The Cleveland Browns locked down defensive tackle Maliek Collins late Saturday night, agreeing to a 2-year, $30 million contract extension that includes a staggering $23 million in total guarantees. This news, first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, is a massive vote of confidence for a player who has absolutely exploded this season.
From Injury Setback to Career Year Takeoff
Collins’ 2025 season was cut short by a knee injury, and you know that had to be tough to stomach for both him and the Browns faithful. Losing a talent and leader like that stings. But he didn’t just work his way back; he torched the offseason and came into 2026 with a fire under him that you can feel through the screen. His performance through the first six weeks of this season isn’t just good, it’s shaping up to be a career year. We’re talking 16 tackles, a blistering 3.5 sacks, and an incredible 18 pressures. Those numbers don’t lie, folks. He’s been an absolute force on that defensive line, and the front office clearly saw what everyone else has: this guy is playing at an elite level.
Finding a Home and Making an Impact
It’s been a journey for Collins since being a third-round pick out of Nebraska for the Dallas Cowboys back in 2016. After four seasons with Dallas, he bounced around, hitting the Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers before finally landing with the Browns in 2025. You see players move around, but when they find that perfect fit, it’s something special. Collins found his place in Cleveland immediately, and the defense has absolutely benefited from his presence. This extension says everything about the impact he’s had and the trust the team has in him to keep it going.
This deal ensures Collins will be anchoring that defensive line for the foreseeable future. With his motor running hot and that kind of guaranteed money, expect him to continue bringing the heat every single snap.
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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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